Alvin Kruchten

Alvin J. Kruchten, long time resident and community leader passed away Wednesday Nov. 5. He was born May 1, 1918, to Leo L. and Christine Nett Kruchten in Devils Lake, N. D. He graduated from Perth ND High School and continued his education at the University Of North Dakota at Grand Forks, graduating in 1941. He was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity and Army ROTC while at college. He began his Public Accounting career at Lybrand, Ross and Montgomery in New York City in 1941. Alvin was called to active duty by the Army in 1942, and served in Africa and Italy during World War II. After receiving the Purple Heart for injuries received in Italy he was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1946. After his discharge, he continued his accounting career in New York City, and married Eleanor Gingras there on May 31, 1947. They moved to Fort Collins in 1951 where he joined Harold Gregor, the only other Certified Public Accountant in Fort Collins at that time. In 1952, he opened his own accounting practice. The firm grew to five offices serving Northern Colorado. Avid bridge players, the Kruchtens played with many local bridge groups. Al was active in numerous community and professional organizations. He was a member of the New York and Colorado Societies of Certified Public Accountants, and the American Institute Of CPAs. He was active on many committees for The Colorado Society and held several offices including Treasurer. Mr. Kruchten also was a member of the governing council for the American Society of CPAs 1979-1982. He served on the Fort Collins City Council from 1965 to 1971, and was assistant mayor from 1968 to 1970. He also served on numerous other boards and committees including the Community Council, Housing Authority Board, Symphony Board and St. Joseph's Church Board. A long time member of the Fort Collins Kiwanis Club and Elks Lodge and Chamber of Commerce, he was awarded the Community Builder of the Year award in 1994. Survivors include his sister, Dorothy Jelicich of Sacramento, Calif.; children, Mary Maurice Potter of Montrose, John Rosemary Kruchten of Post Falls, Idaho, Patricia Kruchten of Denver, Jane Steve MacGregor of Centennial; seven grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor; and brothers, Roy and Ernest. A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 11 at St Joseph's Church. Private interment will be held at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Fort Collins Symphony, the National Kidney Foundation or the Alport Syndrome Foundation in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Friends may send condolences to the family at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com.

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Alvin Kruchten

November 5, 2008